So Darlin'...
Save the last graft for me.
When last we left our intrepid (albeit High Energy) knitter, she was being VERY GOOD and knitting away on Madli's Shawl. She finished the required repeats. She finished the edging to put on the remaining side. She then reviewed Nancy Bush's instructions which state, "Graft the two pieces together with kitchener stitch."
I'm sorry. What?
This is Kidsilk Haze, Nancy. I can tell you right now it is NOT going to like grafting or any sewing of the sort! It will have none of it. Why Oh Why must I do this?
Highly Neurotic Jenny: "But, HEJ, Nancy's pattern doesn't use Kidsilk Haze!"
Highly Irritated Jenny: "Shut UP. But thanks for playing."
Well, here we are then, at this grafting situation:
Some tips if you are going to do this:
1) Start no earlier than 12:00am. Really, these things are best done late at night, when the senses and vision are dulled. Other late night activities to consider, dear bloggers? How about upgrading your computer system software? Or changing your hair color back to blonde from red?
2) Be out of provisions. Caffeine, sugar, chocolate, these things are only distractions from your task at hand. Be sure to have no reinforcements, so you can stop midway through to go to Kroger because you are going out of your FREAKING MIND.
3) Add another complex task. When doing a tough task such as this, I prefer to add a level of complexity, such as watching a movie. Best really, is a mystery with lots of characters who resemble each other, or even better, a subtitled foreign film. I chose a documentary. It was not as challenging as one might think.
Voilą
And she did it! Here's the finished seam:
The bottom one is the grafted one.
And just cause I like you all, click here for a close-up.
Now, to block the damn thing...
Comments
ohmygosh it is going to be *gorgeous*
can't wait to see it blocked!
Posted by: jody | November 19, 2005 07:37 AM
Damn! That is one fine seam. Gorgeous, gorgeous job.
Posted by: Colleen | November 19, 2005 09:11 AM
That's some seamy talent you got going there girl! Very nice! Love the color and the blocking will be gorgeous.
Posted by: Cara | November 19, 2005 09:26 AM
Wow. That is unbelievable!
Posted by: Scout | November 19, 2005 09:46 AM
That's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen! Wow--can't wait to see it post-blocking. And seam? What seam? I don't even see a seam!
Posted by: Stephanie | November 19, 2005 09:51 AM
That is SO gorgeous. Great job and your bravery is commended...
Posted by: Skylar | November 19, 2005 09:57 AM
Beautiful! And spectacular grafting! You're so brave...
Posted by: allison | November 19, 2005 09:58 AM
You are brave. And it looks marvelous!
Did the hair color thing actually happen?
Posted by: Carrie | November 19, 2005 10:18 AM
I'm in awe!! It's fabulous!
Posted by: Siow Chin | November 19, 2005 10:33 AM
Fabulous job, Jenny! That took some real courage, my dear, day or night! Can't wait to see the finished product.
Posted by: Leah | November 19, 2005 10:34 AM
Whew! You had me going for a minute, there. It looks amazing!
Posted by: Karma | November 19, 2005 11:45 AM
Great job! I think I broke all your rules, though. Maybe that's why mine didn't turn out as well as yours. Too quiet?
Posted by: Rachel | November 19, 2005 03:25 PM
Beautifully done! I can't wait to see it all blocked.
Posted by: Jackie | November 19, 2005 03:59 PM
Absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Christie | November 19, 2005 05:14 PM
Seriously cool grafting, ma chere! But of course, I expect no less of you as you are the MKYU!!!
xoxo,
b
Posted by: Becky | November 20, 2005 04:26 AM
Wow, I was expecting the worst but it looks perfect! Can't wait to see you modeling your new piece.
Posted by: molly | November 20, 2005 07:55 AM
It's awesome! Great kitchenering job! I've been eyeing Mdli's Shawl for ages but I would never be intrepid enough to attempt in KSH. You go!
By the way, how's your pup? Caia says hi. xox,
Posted by: Julia | November 20, 2005 02:23 PM
Holy canoli - you are talented! I understand grafting when I read about it and can visualize how it's supposed to work, but actually DOing it is another story.
What color KSH are you using? I want to make Kiri for my mom for Christmas and that color would be perfect...
Posted by: maya | November 20, 2005 03:42 PM
Wow, that is really incredible! Beautiful, just beautiful...That (completely invisible) seam is a minor miracle.
Posted by: Julie | November 20, 2005 10:11 PM
it's gorgeous!
Posted by: another jenny | November 20, 2005 10:34 PM
I am so impressed! your grafting is so lovely! this is so pretty--can't wait to see it all blocked and modeled for us!
Hope all is well, Jenny! ;)
Posted by: Lolly | November 21, 2005 08:06 AM
What a beautilful shawl Jenny! You did such a fine job on the grafting (and that is a lot of grafting...we are not talking about 8-12 stitches here)!! :-)
Posted by: Eilene | November 21, 2005 08:23 AM
You did a fabulous job...very impressive! It is gorgeous : )
Posted by: Donna | November 22, 2005 07:34 AM
Stunning! What can I say? :)
Posted by: Emy | November 22, 2005 09:50 AM
You are a grafting goddess. That looks awesome! Something complicated should never be attempted without snacks or coffee.
Posted by: biglug | November 22, 2005 03:38 PM
I'm impressed! It looks amazing the the grafting is invisible. Good stuff!
Posted by: Vicki | November 22, 2005 05:21 PM
Oh MY!!! I don't know that I have ever been to your corner of the internet before! What fun. Congrats on the awesome dog bed. secretly, I want a german shepherd. Don't say it too loud because I have two cats. she looks so happy and I love seeing you lay on the bed with her.
Posted by: Melly | November 23, 2005 08:00 AM
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. I didn't think it possible, but I love kidsilk haze even more. I'm coming to you whenever I have to graft. If I ever advance to that point. Also, yes, I'm with Carrie, did the red hair actually happen? Are there pictures?
Posted by: courtney | November 23, 2005 08:56 AM
I'm going to add to the chorus of georgeouses. Really admirable job, can't wait to see it blocked!
Posted by: Jenna | November 26, 2005 12:13 AM
Amazing..I think you are my new hero! Can't wait to see it blocked!
Posted by: Heather | November 30, 2005 12:51 PM